Imagine a factory floor abuzz with activity, not just of machines, but of ideas. Where workers aren’t just following orders, but actively shaping the company’s future. This isn’t science fiction, it’s the reality at Mukand, a Bajaj Group company specialising in steel products and machinery, that’s defying convention by placing the power of innovation directly in the hands of its shop floor employees.
Forget the stereotypical view of factory workers as replaceable cogs in a machine. At Mukand, they’re recognised as the beating heart of the business. “We don’t just mean senior leadership by total employee involvement,” emphasises Viplav Bhatt, head HR, Mukand. “Every employee plays a crucial role, and we make sure their voices are heard.”
This isn’t just lip service. Mukand understands that every voice, from the CEO to the welder, contributes to the company’s success story. It breaks down the walls between the executive suite and the shop floor. Traditionally siloed employees are now active participants in strategic planning workshops. They don’t just learn about the company’s goals, they help shape them. “We show them how their ideas directly impact the bottom line,” explains Bhatt. “It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, where everyone feels invested in the company’s success.”
“We don’t just mean senior leadership by total employee involvement. Every employee plays a crucial role, and we make sure their voices are heard.”
Viplav Bhatt, head-HR, Mukand
But participation is just the first step. Mukand goes a step further by ensuring everyone is aligned. Managers work with employees to define clear, measurable goals (KPIs) that cascade down from the company’s overall strategy. Through user-friendly interfaces, even shop floor workers can tailor their goals to directly contribute to departmental and company objectives.
The results? “Enhanced employee involvement and a stronger sense of belongingness,” says Bhatt. “This, in turn, has fuelled a high-performance culture where everyone is working together towards a shared vision.”
Finding and nurturing talent is another pillar of Mukand’s success. They use a data-driven approach to identify critical positions that significantly impact the business. It’s not just about filling a role, it’s about finding the right person with the potential to grow.
Performance evaluations go beyond simple metrics. A unique nine-block system assesses strengths, weaknesses, and future potential, while a separate system gauges leadership capabilities. This data becomes a roadmap for development, pinpointing high-potential individuals ripe for advancement.
And advancement isn’t limited to those with fancy degrees. Mukand places a special emphasis on developing the shop floor workforce. Training programs based on Total Quality Management (TQM) principles equip employees with the skills they need to become future leaders.
But it’s not all about classroom learning. The company actively promotes “quality circles” where shop-floor employees collaborate to solve problems and implement innovative practices. And to keep everyone motivated, a robust rewards and recognition program acknowledges and celebrates valuable contributions.
In today’s competitive landscape, a versatile workforce is key. Mukand understands this, and they focus on multi-skilling their operators. By providing training across various areas, they ensure their employees can adapt to ever-changing industry demands.
This commitment to empowerment extends beyond traditional factory roles. Mukand is proud of its diverse workforce, including its female shop-floor employees. “We actively hire women for roles where they excel,” says Bhatt, “and we’re proud of our high retention rate. Many of our female employees have been with us for over 30 years.”
The company champions career development for all. Clear career paths provide transparency and empower employees to take charge of their professional journeys. Additionally, programs like the Graduate Engineer Development Programme equip participants with the leadership skills and knowledge needed to climb the corporate ladder.
Promotion from within is a core value at Mukand. Bhatt shares an inspiring example: “We have a senior executive who started as a participant in our Graduate Engineer Development programme 17 years ago. Today, he leads our business strategy.”
Data is king at Mukand, and they use it to track diversity metrics and identify areas for improvement. Diversity-related KPIs are even incorporated into manager performance reviews, ensuring accountability in fostering an inclusive environment.
Employee resource groups provide support and a sense of community for all. A mobile app connects everyone, offering access to workflows, critical information, and fostering a collaborative spirit. Even face-recognition systems eliminate the need for cumbersome ID cards, ensuring seamless access for shop-floor employees.
“This digitisation enriches the employee experience throughout their journey at Mukand,” concludes Bhatt. By empowering its shop floor employees, Mukand has not only built a culture of innovation, but also a foundation for long-term success. In a competitive manufacturing landscape, this commitment to inclusivity, skill development, and a culture of ownership positions Mukand as a true industry leader.